This weekend I asked about any fears you have towards fasting and I saw quite a few common fears that I would suspect many more people have. So to add to what we started I would like to know any questions you have about fasting.
In-between now and May 29th I’ll be addressing those fears and questions as well as doing some teaching on fasting to hopefully help dismantle any obstacles we may have.
Coffee ChriS said:
All of my long fasts (over 3 days) have been Daniel Fasts. Problem is I am always extremely hungry on these.
Do protein shakes & juices actally make you more hungry? Than pushing through and just sticking to water and coffee. I have to have coffee!
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 8:49 am
Yuri said:
This is more of a problem than a question … my biggest thing is that I get hungry and then I get in a bad mood because I can’t eat … this really is something I should pray through.
I had a fast that was a considerable length, and it was glorious. But, I was so active during the time that I didn’t think about the hunger as much … I donno.
Give us some truth, Shawn. I want more freedom in this. Thanks bro!
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Jennifer James said:
My problem is I am always trying to find a way to be comfortable during my fasts. I.E. Find a fast that won’t make me hungry and crabby and a pain to be around. Protein shakes always made me more hungry then water. With water, you’re hungry in a worse way, but for a shorter time. At least, I was….
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 12:22 pm
nathan said:
Do you do any kind of modification of your diet going into a fast and coming out of it? I came out of a 7-day fast last year and immediately ate steak. I wasn’t feeling very well after that.
I’ve heard about starting with fruit juices and gradually easing back into eating a full diet, with dairy products coming later. I’ve never been longer than ~9 days and I think I should really go into this one with my eyes open.
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 12:53 pm
JoAnna said:
Nathan: This gives some fasting practicals, including going down to just fruits and vegetables 2 days before a long fast to help your system prepare and detox. It also has tips on coming back off a fast, plus lots more. Enjoy!
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 1:08 pm
JoAnna said:
Oops… This is the excellent fasting stuff I was talking about.
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 1:09 pm
nathan said:
Thank you JoAnna! That’s great information.
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Not Unto Us » Fasting resources said:
[…] Fasting Fears Fasting Questions […]
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 1:15 pm
The Other Andy said:
Is there anyway to get rid of the killer headaches that come with fasting? When I’ve tried to do longer fasts I get a headache on the first day and by the second day I have to quit or switch how I’m fasting because I feel so sick and nauseous.
Any tips?
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Robin said:
I also wonder about the effectiveness of fasting on days that I can’t spend extra time in prayer, and so I mostly try to not fast on days I have to work. I just don’t want it to be a cop-out, you know? I guess I also struggle with being discouraged if I don’t feel strong. If I get grumpy or waver, I feel like a failure and am more likely to give up. I personally feel like I stink at fasting, because so many times, I think I want to fast, then I change my mind. I do waver when I am fasting, even if I don’t give in, and I guess I fast less than I really would because I don’t want to be confronted by the fight against my stupid flesh. The hard thing is I love Jesus so much and He really means more to me than anything and I feel like my failure speaks louder than my heart, you know. It’s lame but it’s the truth.
Posted on May 21, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Esther said:
I journaled this last long fast and that really helped in those times where I get discouraged or wonder just what I’m trying to accomplish. Having clear goals and guidlines for the fast is also important and great to look back on when you can’t figure out why you are fasting in the first place. Helps you focus and re-focus again. Having a couple of prayer partners helps as well. You know people are praying for you and it gives you strength to go on. (and makes you more accountable)
Posted on May 22, 2007 at 5:54 am
The Week's Must Read Blog Posts 05222007 | Lo-Fi Tribe said:
[…] What are Your Questions About Fasting: This weekend I asked about any fears you have towards fasting and I saw quite a few common fears that I would suspect many more people have. So to add to what we started I would like to know any questions you have about fasting. […]
Posted on May 22, 2007 at 9:00 am
Jerry James said:
I have heard people testify that on a long water fast, the first three days are the toughest, and that after a week or so there is a sense of becoming stronger each day. If this is true, it would be encouraging to know that the first week is not an indicator of how things will be for forty days. I think it would be helpful to hear from several who have fasted for forty days on water so that others would know what to expect.
Thanks Shawn for providing this format of sharing.
Posted on May 22, 2007 at 9:24 am
Jessie Still said:
yeah. i’ve fasted, but i don’t think i’ve ever done ANYTHING for forty days. and… i see most of us here have lots of questions and few answers — someone, please, help!
grace to all
Posted on May 22, 2007 at 11:30 am
Theresa said:
Thanks Esther, I really like your journaling idea.
Posted on May 22, 2007 at 12:41 pm
natasha said:
I’m anemic, i still fast but i pretty much don’t have the energy to do even everyday tasks when i do. I can go on prolonged daniel fasts and be okay provided i take iron supplements… but is there anything i can drink/eat besides gatorade while daniel fasting that might keep my energy level up?
Posted on May 22, 2007 at 3:18 pm
5 Quick Tips for Fasting | The Fight Spot said:
[…] story. So over the next week (and then-some) I want to answer & address some of your fears and questions about fasting as well as give some basic teaching on how and why to […]
Posted on May 22, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Robin said:
In regards to the 40 days I do have a couple questions.
-IHOP recommends green tea, but not caffeine addictions. Is decaf tea allowed?
-What about salt and pepper? Is sea salt allowed?
-IHOP recommends honey in water with lemon. Is honey allowed?
-V8 is 100% veg and fruit juice. I was reading that they have diet V8 which substitutes sucralose, or splenda, for some of the sugar. I thought they didn’t add sugar. If this is true, how can they separate the natural sugar to sub it with sucralose? Basically, is V8 really okay.
-What about V8 smoothie? It is non-dairy, with soy protein, still 100% fruit and veg juice.
-Is it true you cannot have anything pre-manufactured or pre-cooked, bacause of the salt/pepper/butter/etc.
-The fact that you can only have spring or distilled water-is that a big deal? Will I not be able to drink out of a water fountain?
-Is avocado allowed?
-Should one be concerned about natural sodium. I mean, if I try to eat a can of beans? Or should I not since they put unnatural preservatives in it?
-Oh and as far as the GBFs go: Will anyone be going to water-only on those 3 days in June and July then back to Daniel. Or does the 40 day fast count for it?
Well, that’s all I have thought of so far. Thanks.
Posted on May 23, 2007 at 12:56 am
{Shawn} said:
@ Robin: You have a lot of specific questions. I think that you should do what you feel grace and liberty for. Although I am not completely familiar with all of IHOP’s recommendations, they are most likely out of physical advice rather than strict spiritual guidelines.
Remember, your fast is a gift you are giving to God. When you fast rejoice in the things you have allowed yourself and enjoy them with the Lord.
Regarding the GBF, some may take those 3 days (and their standard weekly fasting days) more intensely during the extended fast, or allow them to blend in all together. Each person does it differently.
Posted on May 27, 2007 at 10:28 am
Mary said:
After an extended fast, say for 14 days or more,
with no foods just water. How much time can you allow, before going back on another fast of 7 days on water and gatorade?
Posted on February 15, 2008 at 1:06 pm
shawnblanc said:
@ Mary: I”m certainly not a health expert, but I would say it all depends on how you break your fast. If you come off it well, you could probably start a 7-day fast as soon as you want. But it also probably depends on how long the original extended fast was.
Posted on February 15, 2008 at 4:54 pm